The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has approved a de-minimis threshold of $300 for low-value consignments imported via express shipments and passenger baggage into the country as part of its moves to simplify clearance, boost e-commerce and reduce delays at ports and entry points.
A statement issued on Sunday and posted on the website of the Service by the National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, indicated that the decision was reached at the NCS board’s 63rd regular meeting held on September 2 and takes effect from today.
Under the new rules, goods valued at $300 or less, provided they are not prohibited or restricted items, will be exempt from customs duties and related taxes while the exemption will apply to low-value imports, e-commerce consignments and passenger baggage limited to four importations per person per year.
The statement partly reads: “De Minimis threshold is the value below which imported goods are exempted from payment of customs duties and related taxes established by the national legislation.
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“After a comprehensive review of similar practices across continents, the Board approved $300 as Nigeria’s official De Minimis threshold. This exemption will apply to low-value imports, e-commerce consignments, and passenger baggage
“The threshold, which is restricted to four importations per annum, aligns with Section 5(c & d), Section 158 subsections (5 & 6), and other relevant provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, as well as international instruments, including the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement and the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Revised Kyoto Convention.
“This initiative is expected to stimulate cross-border e-commerce, minimise clearance delays, and further consolidate Nigeria’s position as a regional leader in trade facilitation”, it added.
To forestall any form of abuse, the Service maintained that strict enforcement measures would apply to anyone who manipulates invoices or seeks to evade duties, adding that penalties for infractions may include forfeiture, arrest and other sanctions under the NCS Act 2023.
This is even as it promised to set up multi-channel helpdesk platforms to guide stakeholders, address inquiries and resolve complaints during implementation.
